2011 Jeep Wrangler Sport Utility

Benefits of Driving a 2011 Jeep Wrangler Sport Utility

With prices starting at a little over $20,000 and standard 4-wheel drive, the classic Wrangler is one of the best SUVs for the money in its class. The 6-speed manual transmission helps the Wrangler achieve a not-too-shabby 15 mpg city and 19 mpg highway rating. Inside, the multi-function steering wheel and 6-speaker sound system are standard across the board. With a rugged rock-crawler like this, it's important to note for new shoppers that even at its least expensive, the Wrangler's doors are still all metal with roll-up windows ? and they can still be taken off completely.

What's new for 2011?

The changes for the 2011 Wrangler are almost entirely in the passenger compartment. The rough-and-ready Jeep gets nicer materials and sound-deadening measures for a more comfortable ride. The sound system also got an upgrade, now including USB connectivity and controls on the steering wheel. There are also five new colors for the Wrangler, though engines and transmissions remain the same for all trim levels.

Model Strengths

Iconic exterior remains

interior gets needed upgrade

new technology in a simple SUV

Model Review

There are four trim levels for the Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited this year, and they all have a 3.8-liter V6 engine, which is plenty for getting the lightweight body of this Jeep wherever it needs to go. The engine makes 202 hp at 5200 rpm and 237 lb-ft of torque at 4000 rpm. All Wrangler models have a 6-speed manual transmission as standard equipment

2011 Jeep Wrangler Sport Utility

2011 Jeep Wrangler Sport Utility

Safety Ratings

What do the Safety Ratings mean?

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) performs independent crash testing of new vehicles and then assigns them a score based on their performance. The overall crash test rating is based on how a vehicle performs in the following tests:

Driver Crash Grade:

Measures the chance of a serious injury to a crash test dummy that is placed in a driver's seat and driven into a fixed barrier at 35 MPH. A five-star rating means there is 10 percent or less chance of injury.

Passenger Crash Grade:

Similar to the driver crash grade, only now the focus is on the passenger.

Rollover Resistance:

Simulates an emergency lane change to measure the likelihood of a vehicle rolling over. A five-star rating means there is 10 percent or less risk of rollover.

Side Impact Crash Test - Front:

Focuses on the front side of a vehicle. It simulates crashes that can occur in intersections by striking a 3,015-pound weight against the side of a vehicle at 38.5 MPH. A five-star rating means there is 5 percent or less chance of injury.

Side Impact Crash Test - Rear:

Similar to the front side impact test only now the focus is on the rear passenger.